FIDE statement concerning the
Candidates Matches 2011
FIDE respects that every player makes his
own decisions and regrets that GM Magnus Carlsen has expressed his desire to
withdraw from the upcoming Candidates Matches. It is always a big loss for any
event when a player of Magnus Carlsen's strength is not participating. FIDE's
policy is to review regularly the World Championship cycle after consultation
with the top world players. At this point in time, the current cycle is in its
final stages and it is not possible for FIDE to change its regulations. In the
case of GM Magnus Carlsen not participating, according to regulations GM
Alexander Grischuk from Russia will be his replacement.
The match system for the World Championship
has been in place for around a century with some slight variations such as in
1948 or 1999-2007 when round-robin or knock-out tournaments were also used to
decide the world title. FIDE has always been sceptical about World Championship
matches instead of tournaments. Ten years ago, FIDE established that the World
Champion should not have any privilege when entering the World Championship
Tournament (knock-out or round-robin), in accordance with the current
suggestions of GM Magnus Carlsen. After 2007, FIDE discussed the format with a
number of top players and many of them, including former World Champions Anatoly
Karpov, Gary Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik still preferred a match to decide the
winner of the title instead of a tournament. FIDE accepted this change and
returned to the classical system of a World Championship Match but without the
privilege of the World Champion keeping his title in case of a tie.
As a matter of principle, FIDE cannot change
its regulations upon the wish of a single player, even if this player is the
World Champion or the No.1 or No.2 of the world ratings. On the other hand, FIDE
is always open for suggestions which can be applicable in the future and which
would also support or increase the marketing value of the World Championship.
Best regards,
Georgios Makropoulos
FIDE Deputy President
